Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book (D-Davie) has filed legislation to permanently eliminate sales tax on diapers and incontinence products for Florida families, building on the Leader’s landmark victory last Session alongside Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) which resulted in the elimination of infant diapers sales tax for one year, through June 30, 2023.
“After years of fighting, we were successful in achieving one of my longstanding priorities: the elimination of sales tax on diapers for working families across the state,”says Leader Book, a child advocate and mother of five-year-old twins who has been sponsoring this legislation since she was elected to the Senate in 2016. “While we are truly helping families with young children across the state, the powers that be limited us last Session in only providing this relief for infant diapers, for one year. Now, Rep. Eskamani and are continuing to fight for a permanent exemption on all diapers — including adult incontinence products — because working families shouldn’t be taxed on essential health care items.”
If passed, SB 114 would make Florida the twenty- second state to remove sales tax charges for diapers.
An average monthly supply of diapers costs approximately $80 which presents a great financial challenge for many working families — especially when you consider the fact that 21% of Florida children under age 3 live in families earning less than 100% of the federal poverty level, and 26% of Florida children under age 3 live in families earning between 100-200% less than the federal poverty level. Florida isn’t alone: across the country, 1 in 3 U.S. families report experiencing diaper need and an estimated 25 million U.S. adults experience incontinence and require hygiene products.
Relatedly, Florida has already eliminated sales tax for baby food and infant formula, and other essential items for babies, as well as tampons and feminine hygiene products.
